Air conditioner and method of controlling an air conditioner

ABSTRACT

An air conditioner is provided that include an outdoor unit configured to implement heat exchange of refrigerant, at least one indoor unit configured to implement exchange of refrigerant with the outdoor unit and air conditioning of indoor air, and an electricity reception device configured to receive an electricity regulation signal indicating a level with regard to electricity usage and to transmit a level signal indicating the level of the electricity regulation signal to the outdoor unit or the indoor unit. The outdoor unit or the indoor unit, which has received the level signal, controls operation of the at least one indoor unit connected thereto based on the level of the electricity regulation signal.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2013-0048523 filed on Apr. 30, 2013, in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

1. Field

An air conditioner, and a method of controlling an air conditioner are disclosed herein.

2. Background

An air conditioner is installed to provide human beings with a more pleasant indoor environment by discharging cold or warm air into a room to adjust an indoor temperature and to purify indoor air. Typically, an air conditioner includes an indoor unit or device installed in a room, the indoor unit including a heat exchanger, and an outdoor unit or device including a compressor, a heat exchanger, and other components to supply refrigerant to the indoor unit.

In the typical air conditioner, the indoor unit including the heat exchanger and the outdoor unit including the compressor, the heat exchanger, and other components are controlled separately from each other. Operation of the indoor unit and the outdoor unit is accomplished by controlling supply of power to the compressor or the heat exchanger. In addition, in the air conditioner, at least one indoor unit may be connected to the outdoor unit, and refrigerant supplied to the indoor unit based on a requested operating state to allow the indoor unit to be operated in a cooling mode or a heating mode.

A cooling operation or a heating operation of the air conditioner depends on a flow of refrigerant. In the case of a cooling operation, once high-temperature and high-pressure liquid-phase refrigerant is supplied from the compressor of the outdoor unit to the indoor unit by way of the heat exchanger of the outdoor unit, the refrigerant undergoes expansion and evaporation in the heat exchanger of the indoor unit, thereby lowering a temperature of surrounding air. The resulting cold air is then discharged into a room via rotation of an indoor unit fan. In the case of a heating operation, once high-temperature and high-pressure gas-phase refrigerant is supplied from the compressor of the outdoor unit to the indoor unit, the high-temperature and high-pressure gas-phase refrigerant is liquefied in the heat exchanger of the indoor unit, thereby radiating heat to surrounding air. The resulting warm air is then discharged into a room via rotation of the indoor unit fan.

Use of air conditioners is maximized throughout the country in summer or winter, which may cause serious electricity consumption. Thus, discussions concerning national systems to control the use of electricity are intensifying. When implementing a system to guide use reduction of various electronic appliances in a time slot during which electricity consumption peaks, this requires research on air conditioners capable of regulating electricity consumption.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the following drawings in which like reference numerals refer to like elements, and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating supply of power to an air conditioner in accordance with an embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an air conditioner in accordance with an embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating an operating method of an air conditioner in accordance with an embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of an air conditioner system in accordance with an embodiment;

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of an outdoor unit and an indoor unit included in an air conditioner in accordance with an embodiment;

FIGS. 6 and 7A-7C are schematic diagrams illustrating a method of controlling an indoor unit by an outdoor unit of an air conditioner in accordance with an embodiment;

FIGS. 8 and 9A-9C are schematic diagrams illustrating an indoor unit of an air conditioner and a display operation of the indoor unit in accordance with an embodiment; and

FIG. 10 is a flowchart of a method of controlling an air conditioner in accordance with an embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Advantages and features and a method of achieving the same will be more clearly understood from embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, embodiments are not limited to the following embodiments, but may be implemented in various different forms. The embodiments are provided merely to complete disclosure and to fully provide a person having ordinary skill in the art with a category. The invention is defined only by the category of the claims. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the specification to refer to the same or like parts.

Terms ‘first’, ‘second’, etc. may be used to describe various elements. However, these elements are not restricted by such terms. These terms are used to distinguish between one element and another element. For example, first contact may be referred to as second contact without departing from the scope. In the same manner, second contact may be referred to as first contact. The first contact and the second contact may be both contact but not the same contact.

Terms used in the description are provided only to explain embodiments but are not intended to restrict. In the description and the accompanying claims, the singular forms are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless context clearly indicates otherwise. The use of marks may indicate any one or both of the singular forms and the plural forms of the terms, and vice versa.

It will be understood that the term “and/or” refers to one or more possible combinations of specified relevant items and includes such combinations. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising” used in this specification designate presence of specified features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components but do not exclude presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

The term “if” may be interpreted to mean “when” or “upon” or “in response to determining” or “in response to detecting” from the context. In the same manner, the phrases “in a determined case” or “in a case in which [a specified condition or event] is detected” may be interpreted to mean “upon determining”, “in response to determining”, “upon detecting [a specified condition or event]” or “in response to detecting [a specified condition or event]” from the context.

Embodiments of computing devices, user interfaces for these devices, and associated processes to use these devices will be described below.

It is noted that features or components of any of the embodiments disclosed herein may be combined with features or components of any other of the embodiments disclosed herein, as would be recognized by one skilled in the art.

Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating supply of power to an air conditioner in accordance with an embodiment. Referring to FIG. 1, an air conditioner 30 in accordance with an embodiment may be operated using power supplied by an electric power company 10.

The air conditioner 30 may be a cooling/heating system, which may implement cooling of a room by repeatedly suctioning high-temperature air from the room, providing heat exchange between the high-temperature air and a low-temperature refrigerant, and discharging the heat-exchanged, low-temperature air into the room, or may implement heating of a room via a reverse operation. The air conditioner 30 may include a compressor, a condenser, an expansion valve, and an evaporator, for example, which constitute a series of cycles.

The air conditioner 30 may include an outdoor unit or device installed at or in an outdoor place or location, and one or more indoor unit or device installed inside a building. The outdoor unit may include, for example, a condenser and a compressor, and the indoor unit may include, for example, an evaporator. The outdoor unit and the indoor unit may be connected to a central controller (not shown) to receive a control signal.

The air conditioner 30 may receive power, supplied by the electric power company 10, by way of an electricity reception device 20. The electricity reception device 20 may extract an electricity regulation signal from the power supplied by the electric power company 10. The electricity reception device 20 may include, for example, a router, or a modem, which may extract an electricity regulation signal from power; however, embodiments are not limited thereto.

According to embodiments, the air conditioner 30 may be adapted to adjust electricity consumption based on the electricity regulation signal. More particularly, the air conditioner 30 may adjust electricity consumption by differently controlling operation thereof based on multiple levels of the electricity regulation signal. For example, the air conditioner 30 may adjust electricity consumption by controlling operation of a plurality of indoor units, or by controlling operation of a compressor included in the outdoor unit.

The electricity reception device 20 may further include a switching circuit 21 to transmit different signals to the air conditioner 30 based on a level of the electricity regulation signal. The switching circuit (not shown) may convert the level of the electricity regulation signal into a signal that the air conditioner 30 can recognize, and transmit the same to the air conditioner 30.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an air conditioner in accordance with an embodiment. Referring to FIG. 2, an indoor unit or device 200 of air conditioner 30 may be installed in an air conditioning space, for example, an indoor space 105. The indoor unit 200 may include an auxiliary heater 214, an indoor heat exchanger 235, and an indoor fan 230, which may be arranged in this sequence from a back of an indoor suction port 205 formed in or at a front face of the indoor unit 200.

Air of the indoor space 105 may be suctioned into the air conditioner through the indoor suction port 205, and the suctioned indoor air may be heat exchanged while passing through the indoor heat exchanger 235. Then, the resulting temperature adjusted air may be discharged into the indoor space 105 through an indoor discharge port (not shown).

The indoor fan 230 may create a flow path, along which indoor air may be suctioned into the air conditioner 30 and thereafter discharged from the air conditioner 30. The auxiliary heater 214 may function as an auxiliary component to prevent an unwanted temperature drop in the indoor space 105 during implementation of defrosting of a heating operation.

An outdoor unit or device 400 may be installed at an outside of the air conditioning space, for example, at an outdoor place, and may be connected to the indoor unit 200 through a conduit 250. The outdoor unit 400 may include a compressor 410 that compresses refrigerant to attain high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant, an outdoor heat exchanger 435 that condenses refrigerant during a cooling operation and evaporates refrigerant during a heating operation, an outdoor fan 430 that creates a flow path, along which outdoor air may be suctioned into the outdoor unit 400 and thereafter discharged from the outdoor unit 400, and an expansion device 440 that expands refrigerant to obtain low-temperature and low-pressure refrigerant.

When the air conditioner 30 begins a heating operation, a processor may transmit a control signal to each of the aforementioned components to initiate operation thereof. In response to the control signal transmitted from the processor, the indoor fan 230 may begin to rotate and the compressor 410 may compress refrigerant to discharge high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant.

The high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant, discharged from the compressor 410, may be introduced into the indoor heat exchanger 235 and heat exchanged with indoor air suctioned into the indoor unit 200 by the indoor fan 230. The indoor air, which has been suctioned at a relatively low-temperature, may be raised in temperature via heat exchange with the refrigerant.

The refrigerant, heat exchanged while passing through the indoor heat exchanger 235, may move through the expansion device 440 and the outdoor heat exchanger 435 in sequence, and then may be returned to the compressor 410. Thereafter, through repetitions of a heating cycle through the compressor 410, the indoor heat exchanger 235, the expansion device 440, and the outdoor heat exchanger 435 in this sequence, the indoor temperature may be raised to a level that a user desires. In the case of a cooling cycle, refrigerant compressed in the compressor 410 may be moved through the expansion device 440 so as to be changed into low-temperature refrigerant, and then supplied to the indoor unit 200.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating an operating method of an air conditioner in accordance with an embodiment. Referring to FIG. 3, an air conditioner in accordance with embodiments may be controlled in different ways in response to an electricity regulation signal.

When an outdoor unit, such as outdoor unit 400 of FIG. 2, receives an electricity regulation signal, the outdoor unit may check required electricity consumption designated by the electricity regulation signal. For example, the electricity regulation signal may have any one of multiple levels. The outdoor unit may check required electricity consumption by checking the level of the electricity regulation signal.

The outdoor unit may control an operating state of the air conditioner to conform to the checked electricity consumption. For example, the outdoor unit may adjust an operation frequency of a compressor, such as compressor 410 of FIG. 1, based on the required electricity consumption. In the following description, the electricity regulation signal may be assumed as having three levels, such as a first level (L1), a second level (L2), and a third level (L3).

More particularly, the air conditioner, such as air conditioner 30 of FIG. 1, may check the level of the electricity regulation signal. The outdoor unit may control operation of the compressor based on the level of the electricity regulation signal. Assuming that the air conditioner in accordance with embodiments is adapted to adjust an operation frequency of the compressor using an inverter, the operation frequency of the compressor may be controlled in response to an electricity regulation signal.

For example, when the electricity regulation signal has the first level (L1), the air conditioner may power the compressor off. When the electricity regulation signal has the second level (L2), the air conditioner may reduce an operation frequency of the compressor to approximately 50%. When the electricity regulation signal has the third level (L3), the air conditioner may reduce the operation frequency of the compressor to approximately 75%.

Assuming that the air conditioner in accordance with embodiments is a constant-speed type air conditioner, the air conditioner may power the compressor on or off based on the level of an electricity regulation signal. For example, the constant-speed type air conditioner may stop operation of the compressor when the electricity regulation signal has the first level (L1). When the electricity regulation signal has the second level (L2) or the third level (L3), the air conditioner may adjust electricity consumption by adjusting a set temperature or a set flow rate of an indoor unit while continuously operating the compressor. Naturally, it will be appreciated that the above description is merely one embodiment or example and embodiments are not limited thereto.

In an alternative embodiment, when the air conditioner receives an electricity regulation signal, the air conditioner may stop operation of a compressor regardless of the level of the electricity regulation signal, although embodiments are not limited thereto.

The air conditioner may implement a control operation to conform to required electricity consumption. To conform to the required electricity consumption, the air conditioner may adjust an operation frequency of a compressor included in an outdoor unit, or may power the compressor on or off. Alternatively or additionally, the air conditioner may differentiate operation of a plurality of indoor units, or may adjust an operating state of a respective indoor unit or units.

The air conditioner may individually control operation of a plurality of indoor units. The air conditioner may first prioritize the plurality of indoor units, and determine whether or not each indoor unit will be operated based on the priorities.

Assuming that the air conditioner defines a first priority, a second priority, and a third priority, a plurality of indoor units may correspond to each of the first priority, the second priority, and the third priority. That is, with a plurality of indoor units, two or more indoor units may correspond to the first priority, two or more indoor units may correspond to the second priority, and two or more indoor units may correspond to the third priority.

According to one embodiment, the air conditioner may control a plurality of indoor units based on the level of an electricity regulation signal in such a manner that the indoor units may be individually operated or not operated. For example, when the level of the electricity regulation signal is the third level (L3), the air conditioner may stop operation of one or more indoor unit among the indoor units that corresponds to the third priority. For example, when the level of the electricity regulation signal is the second level (L2), the air conditioner may stop operation of one or more indoor unit among the indoor units that corresponds to the second priority, as well as the one or more indoor unit that corresponds to the third priority. For example, when the level of the electricity regulation signal is the first level (L1), the air conditioner may stop operation of all of the indoor units.

A display may be included in each indoor unit to display a set temperature or a set flow rate of the indoor unit. The indoor unit may store data regarding a set temperature or a set flow rate corresponding to each level of an electricity regulation signal. Once the level of an electricity regulation signal is checked, the display of the indoor unit may display a set temperature or a set flow rate conforming to the level of the electricity regulation signal.

FIG. 3 is in the form of a table that shows a set flow rate or a set temperature based on the level of an electricity regulation signal. However, it will be appreciated that content of the table is merely one embodiment and embodiments are not limited thereto.

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of an air conditioner system in accordance with an embodiment. Referring to FIG. 4, the air conditioner system 100 may include electricity reception device 20, which may receive an electricity regulation signal from, for example, electric power company 10, outdoor unit or device 400 that implements an operation based on a level of the electricity regulation signal, a plurality of indoor units or devices 200 that implements an operation based on the level of the electricity regulation signal, a remote controller 60 used to control the plurality of indoor units 200, and a portable terminal 50 that receives the electricity regulation signal from the plurality of indoor units 200 and reads out information.

The electricity reception device 20 may be located in the outdoor unit 400 or each indoor unit 200. For example, the electricity reception device 20 may include a switching circuit to output a level signal indicating the level of the electricity regulation signal. The electricity reception device 20 including the switching circuit may be connected to the outdoor unit 400 or each indoor unit 200. The switching circuit may output different signals based on the level of the electricity regulation signal. Although the switching circuit may be an electronic circuit to output different signals based on the level of the electricity regulation signal, the kind of the switching circuit is not limited thereto.

In FIG. 4, the electricity reception device 20 is illustrated as being installed to or at the outdoor unit 400 (more particularly, connected to a point denoted by P3) to transmit a level signal to the outdoor unit 400; however, embodiments are not limited thereto. For example, the electricity reception device 20 may be installed to or at any one indoor unit 200 or the plurality of indoor units 200, to transmit a level signal to any one indoor unit 200 or the plurality of indoor units 200.

Hereinafter, various embodiments will be described respectively in detail.

Embodiment Employing Electricity Reception Device 20 Installed to or at Outdoor Unit 400

The electricity reception device 20 may be installed to or at the outdoor unit 400 (more particularly, the electricity reception device 20 may be connected to a point denoted by P3). The outdoor unit 400 may receive power from the electric power company 10. The electricity reception device 20 may extract an electricity regulation signal from the power supplied by the electric power company 10. The electricity reception device 20 and the electric power company 10 may implement so-called power line communication.

With this embodiment, the electricity reception device 20 may be integrated with the outdoor unit 400, or may be separate from the outdoor unit 400 and function only to transmit a level signal to the outdoor unit 400. Although not shown, the electricity reception device 20 may include a router, or a modem, that extracts an electricity regulation signal from power; however, embodiments are not limited thereto.

The electricity reception device 20 may further include a switching circuit (not shown) to transmit different signals to air conditioner 30 based on the level of the electricity regulation signal. The switching circuit (not shown) may convert the level of the electricity regulation signal into a level signal that the air conditioner 30 can recognize, and transmit the same to the air conditioner.

The outdoor unit 400 may implement an operation to adjust electricity consumption, and thereafter transmit control information, such as a control instruction for adjustment of electricity consumption to the indoor units 200, thereby enabling reduction of total electricity consumption of the air conditioner. The outdoor unit 400 may first determine an operating direction of the indoor units 200, and thereafter transmit control information, such as a control instruction based on the operating direction to the indoor units 200.

For example, when the outdoor unit 400 receives an electricity regulation signal, the outdoor unit 400 may determine an operation degree of a compressor or whether to power the compressor on or off based on the level of the electricity regulation signal. In addition to adjusting the operation degree of the compressor, the outdoor unit 400 may change the operating direction of the indoor units 200 to adjust total electricity consumption of the air conditioner.

The outdoor unit 400 may equally or differently control the operating direction of the indoor units 200 connected thereto in response to an electricity regulation signal. For example, when it is desired to reduce electricity consumption, the outdoor unit 400 may reduce electricity consumption of all of the indoor units 200 connected thereto, or may differently adjust electricity consumption of the indoor units 200 in consideration of importance of the respective indoor units 400.

In a case in which the electricity reception device 20 is directly connected to any one indoor unit 200 (more particularly, the electricity reception device is connected to a point denoted by P2), the indoor unit 200 may include a method to adjust electricity consumption. For example, the indoor unit 400 may check the level of an electricity regulation signal, and control an operation thereof based on the checked level.

The indoor unit 200 may determine whether or not the indoor unit 200 will be operated or an operating direction thereof via communication with another indoor unit 200 or the outdoor unit 400. For example, when the outdoor unit 400 reduces electricity consumption, such that the electricity consumption remains equal to or less than required electricity consumption designated by the electricity regulation signal, the indoor unit 200 may continue normal operation.

When the outdoor unit 400 has difficulty in reducing electricity consumption, each of the indoor units 200 may begin an operation to reduce electricity consumption. Each of the indoor units 200 may receive control information, such as a control instruction transmitted from the outdoor unit 400 or a master indoor unit, thereby determining an operating direction thereof.

In another embodiment, when a difference between current electricity consumption and required electricity consumption designated by the electricity regulation signal is too small to cause the outdoor unit 400 to reduce operation of a compressor, electricity consumption may be adjusted by adjusting a set temperature or a set flow rate of the indoor units 200.

The outdoor unit 400 may adjust electricity consumption of the air conditioner 30 in response to an electricity regulation signal. For example, the outdoor unit 400 may control operation of a compressor (not shown) in response to an electricity regulation signal. Assuming that the air conditioner 30 in accordance embodiments is adapted to adjust an operation frequency of a compressor using an inverter, the operation frequency of the compressor may be controlled in response to an electricity regulation signal.

The electricity regulation signal may have any one of multiple levels. The outdoor unit 400 may adjust the operation frequency of the compressor based on the level of the electricity regulation signal. As described above, the electricity regulation signal may have three levels. For example, if the air conditioner in accordance with embodiments is a constant-speed type air conditioner, the air conditioner may power a compressor on or off based on the level of an electricity regulation signal.

The outdoor unit 400 may be connected to the plurality of indoor units 200. The outdoor unit 400 may prioritize the plurality of indoor units 200. The outdoor unit 400 may determine whether or not each of the indoor units 200 will be operated based on the priorities. More particularly, the outdoor unit 400 may determine whether or not each of the indoor units 200 will be operated based on the priorities upon receiving an electricity regulation signal.

Embodiment Employing Electricity Reception Device 20 Installed to or at Master Indoor Unit 400

The electricity reception device 20 may be installed to or at a master indoor unit (more particularly, the electricity reception device 20 may be connected to a point denoted by P1). With this embodiment, the electricity reception device 20 may be integrated with the master indoor unit, or may be separate from the master indoor unit and function only to transmit a level signal to the master indoor unit.

The air conditioner according to embodiments may include a plurality of indoor units 200, and the plurality of indoor units 200 may include a master indoor unit and a plurality of indoor slave units connected to the master indoor unit.

The master indoor unit may be directly connected to the outdoor unit 400. The master indoor unit may include or not include the indoor slave units under its command; however, embodiments are not limited thereto. When the master indoor unit is connected to the indoor slave units, the master indoor unit may output a signal to control operation of the indoor slave units.

With this embodiment, when the master indoor unit receives a level signal, the master indoor unit may adjust a set flow rate, that is, a set amount of air to be discharged from the master indoor unit, or a set temperature, that is, a set target air conditioning temperature of indoor air acquired by the master indoor unit based on the level of an electricity regulation signal. This will be described below in more detail with reference to FIGS. 9A-9C and 10.

The master indoor unit, which has received the level signal, may control operation of the indoor slave units based on the level of the electricity regulation signal. The master indoor unit may first determine an operating direction of the indoor slaves units, and thereafter transmit control information, such as a control instruction, based on the operating direction to the indoor slave units.

The master indoor unit may individually control operation of at least one indoor slave unit. The master indoor unit may prioritize the plurality of indoor slave units, and determine whether or not each of the indoor slave units will be operated based on the priorities. A number of priorities may correspond with a number of levels of an electricity regulation signal.

Assuming that the master indoor unit defines a first priority, a second priority, and a third priority, a plurality of indoor slave units may correspond to each of the first priority, the second priority, and the third priority. That is, with the plurality of indoor slave units, two or more indoor slave units may correspond to the first priority, two or more indoor slave units may correspond to the second priority, and two or more indoor slave units may correspond to the third priority; however, the number of indoor slave units is not limited thereto. As occasion demands, only the master indoor unit may be set to the first priority and the indoor slave units may be set to the second priority or below; however, embodiments are not limited thereto.

Explaining this embodiment in more detail, assuming that three indoor slave units are connected to a master indoor unit and the level of an electricity regulation signal is the first level, the master indoor unit may transmit a power-off signal to all of the indoor slave units and may stop operation thereof.

When the level of an electricity regulation signal is the second level, the master indoor unit may transmit a power-off signal to the other indoor slave units except for an indoor slave unit corresponding to the first priority. For example, when only the master indoor unit corresponds to the first priority, the master indoor unit may power all of the indoor slave units off while continuing operation thereof.

When the level of an electricity regulation signal is the third level, the master indoor unit may transmit a power-off signal to the other indoor slave units except for the master indoor unit corresponding to the first priority and an indoor slave unit or units corresponding to the second priority. This control operation may vary based on the number of the master indoor unit and indoor slave units, and thus, may not be commonly applied to all embodiments.

Embodiment Employing Electricity Reception Device 20 Installed to or at Indoor Slave Unit 200

The electricity reception device 20 may be installed to or at any one indoor slave unit (more particularly, the electricity reception device may be connected to a point denoted by P2). In this embodiment, the electricity reception device 20 may be integrated with the indoor slave unit, or may be separate from the indoor slave unit and function only to transmit a level signal to the indoor slave unit.

When the electricity reception device 20 is installed to or at the indoor slave unit, or is adapted to transmit a level signal to the indoor slave unit, the indoor slave unit, which has received a level signal, may adjust a set flow rate, that is, a set amount of air to be discharged from the indoor slave unit, or a set temperature, that is, a set target air conditioning temperature of indoor air acquired by the indoor slave unit based on the level of an electricity regulation signal. This embodiment will be described below in more detail with reference to FIGS. 9A-9C and 10.

The indoor unit 200 in accordance with this embodiment may include an expansion valve (not shown) that expands refrigerant supplied from the outdoor unit 400 connected thereto, an indoor heat exchanger, such as indoor heat exchanger 235 of FIG. 2, that implements heat exchange heat between air and refrigerant, an indoor fan, such as indoor fan 230 of FIG. 2, that allows indoor air to be introduced into the indoor heat exchanger and heat-exchanged air to be discharged into a room, a plurality of sensors (not shown), and a controller (not shown) that controls operation of the indoor unit 200.

The indoor unit 200 may have a discharge port (not shown), through which the heat-exchanged air may be discharged, and may further include a flow direction regulator (not shown), which may open or close the discharge port and control a flow direction of air discharged from the indoor unit 200. The indoor unit 200 may adjust a flow rate of air by controlling revolutions per minute of an indoor unit fan to control suction and discharge of air.

The plurality of indoor units 200 may be individually connected to the remote controller 60 to receive a control signal and be operated in response to the control signal. Each of the indoor units 200 may implement wireless or wired communication with the remote controller 60. The indoor unit 200 may include an indoor communication unit, such as indoor communication unit 226 of FIG. 5, to communicate with the remote controller 60 in a wired or wireless manner. When the indoor unit 200 receives a control signal from the remote controller 60, the indoor unit 200 may inform the remote controller 60 of successful reception of the control signal; however, embodiments are not limited thereto.

The indoor unit 200 may transmit a signal indicating an operating state to the remote controller 60. When the indoor unit 200 undergoes variation in terms of On or Off or variation in an operating state thereof, the indoor unit 200 may transmit a signal indicating this variation to the remote controller 60. The indoor unit 200 may communicate with the remote controller 60 upon occurrence of an event or at a constant interval.

The indoor unit 200 may receive an electricity regulation signal from the outdoor unit 400. The indoor unit 200 may adjust a set flow rate, that is, a set amount of air to be discharged from the indoor unit 200, or a set temperature, that is, a set target air conditioning temperature of indoor air acquired by the indoor unit 200 based on the level of an electricity regulation signal. For example, the electricity regulation signal may have any one of the first level, the second level, and the third level, and the indoor unit 200 may raise or lower a set flow rate or a set temperature based on the level of the electricity regulation signal.

The indoor unit 200 may store information regarding a regulation criterion of a set flow rate or a set temperature based on the level of an electricity regulation signal. For example, the indoor unit 200 may store a table that shows a set flow rate or a set temperature based on the level of an electricity regulation signal; however, the storage method is not limited thereto.

The indoor unit 200 may transmit an electricity regulation signal to the portable terminal 50 that can read out information. The indoor unit 200 may transmit an electricity regulation signal to the portable terminal 50 to allow a user to easily check an operating state of the air conditioner.

The portable terminal 50 may communicate with the indoor unit 200. The portable terminal 50 may receive an electricity regulation signal from the indoor unit 200. The portable terminal 50 may receive information regarding operation of the air conditioner 30 from the indoor unit 200.

The air conditioner 30 may include the remote controller 60. The remote controller 60 may control the plurality of indoor units 200, respectively. The remote controller 60 may change an operation mode of the indoor unit 200. The operation mode may include a cooling mode, a dehumidification mode, an air purification mode, and a heating mode, for example.

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of an outdoor unit and an indoor unit included in an air conditioner in accordance with an embodiment. Referring to FIG. 5, the air conditioner 30 may include outdoor unit 400 and at least one indoor unit 200. The outdoor unit 400 may include a compressor 410 that implements heat exchange of refrigerant delivered from the indoor unit 200, and an outdoor unit processor 424 that controls operation of the compressor 410 in response to an electricity regulation signal.

The processor 424 may implement a variety of functions for the outdoor unit 400, and may execute or implement sets of instructions and/or various software programs stored in an outdoor unit memory 422 for data processing. The outdoor unit processor 424 may process a signal based on information stored in the outdoor unit memory 422.

An electricity reception device 420 may serve to receive power from an external power source, and to extract an electricity regulation signal from the received power, the electricity regulation signal providing information regarding usage of electricity. The electricity reception device 420 may include an electricity device that receives power from an electric power company and extracts an electricity regulation signal from the power, and a switching circuit that converts the electricity regulation signal into a level signal that the air conditioner can recognize.

The electricity device and the switching circuit may be separate from each other; however, embodiments are not limited thereto. For example, the outdoor unit 400 may include the switching circuit of the electricity reception device 420. The electricity device may function to supply power to a power source unit or power source 428.

Although FIG. 5 illustrates the electricity reception device 420 as being included in the outdoor unit 400 to allow the outdoor unit processor 424 to directly receive a level signal from the electricity reception device 420; however, embodiments are not limited thereto. According to embodiments, the outdoor unit 400 may not include the electricity reception device 420, may receive only a level signal from the electricity reception device 420, or may be not connected to the electricity reception device 420.

The outdoor unit processor 424 may receive a level signal from the electricity reception device 420. The outdoor unit processor 424 may check the level of an electricity regulation signal from the level signal. The outdoor unit processor 424 may control operation of the compressor 410 based on the level of the electricity regulation signal.

The outdoor unit 400 may include the compressor 410 to compress refrigerant. Assuming that the compressor 410 is an inverter type compressor, the outdoor unit processor 424 may adjust an operation frequency of the compressor 410 in response to an electricity regulation signal. Assuming that the compressor 410 is a constant-speed type compressor that continuously compresses refrigerant at a constant speed, the outdoor unit processor 424 may determine whether to power the compressor 410 on or off based on an electricity regulation signal.

When the outdoor unit processor 424 receives a level signal, the outdoor unit processor 424 may check required electricity consumption designated by the electricity regulation signal. For example, the electricity regulation signal may have any one of multiple levels. The outdoor unit processor 424 may check the level of the electricity regulation signal, thereby checking required electricity consumption.

The outdoor unit processor 424 may control an operating state of the air conditioner based on the level of the electricity regulation signal, to conform to the required electricity consumption. For example, the outdoor unit processor 424 may adjust an operation frequency of the compressor 410 based on the required electricity consumption.

The outdoor unit processor 424 may check the level of the electricity regulation signal from the level signal. The outdoor unit processor 424 may check the required electricity consumption based on the level of the electricity regulation signal.

An electricity regulation signal may have any one of multiple levels. The outdoor unit processor 424 may implement a control operation to adjust electricity consumption of the outdoor unit 400 based on the level of an electricity regulation signal. For example, the outdoor unit processor 424 may adjust electricity consumption of the outdoor unit 400 by adjusting an operation frequency of the compressor 410.

The outdoor unit processor 424 may control operation of the compressor 410 in response to an electricity regulation signal. Assuming that the compressor 410 is an inverter type compressor, the outdoor unit processor 424 may adjust electricity consumption by adjusting an operation frequency of the compressor 410 based on the level of an electricity regulation signal.

For example, when the electricity regulation signal has the first level, the outdoor unit processor 424 may power the compressor 410 off. When the electricity regulation signal has the second level, the outdoor unit processor 424 may reduce an operation frequency of the compressor 410 to approximately 50%. When the electricity regulation signal has the third level, the outdoor unit processor 424 may reduce an operation frequency of the compressor 410 to approximately 75%.

When the outdoor unit processor 424 receives an electricity regulation signal, the outdoor unit processor 424 may implement an operation to adjust electricity consumption for a predetermined period of time. For example, when the outdoor unit processor 424 receives an electricity regulation signal, the outdoor unit processor 424 may implement an operation to adjust electricity consumption for a predetermined period of time of approximately 30 minutes. After implementing the operation to adjust electricity consumption for the predetermined period of time, the outdoor unit processor 424 may return to normal operation.

For example, when the electricity regulation signal has the first level, the outdoor unit processor 424 may power the compressor 410 off within at least approximately 60 seconds. When the electricity regulation signal has the second level, the outdoor unit processor 424 may reduce an operation frequency of the compressor 410 to approximately 50% for at least approximately 30 minutes. When the electricity regulation signal has the third level, the outdoor unit processor 424 may reduce an operation frequency of the compressor 410 to approximately 75% for at least approximately 30 minutes.

When the outdoor unit 400 includes the electricity reception device 420 or receives a level signal from the electricity reception device 420, the outdoor unit processor 424 may differently control operation of a plurality of indoor units 200 connected to the outdoor unit 400. The outdoor unit processor 424 may differently control operation of the respective indoor units 200 in response to an electricity regulation signal. The outdoor unit processor 424 may prioritize the plurality of indoor units 200, and determine whether or not each of the indoor units 200 will be operated based on the priorities.

The outdoor unit processor 424 may adjust the number of indoor units to be operated among the indoor units 200 based on the level of an electricity regulation signal. The outdoor unit processor 424 may increase the number of indoor units 200 to be operated as the level of an electricity regulation signal increases.

The outdoor unit processor 424 may output control information indicating required electricity consumption. The outdoor unit processor 424 may output control information to outdoor unit communication unit or device 426. The control information may include currently required electricity consumption, information regarding an operating state of the compressor 410 of the outdoor unit 400, or an instruction to power the indoor unit 200 on or off. The outdoor unit processor 424 may allow the outdoor unit communication unit 426 to transmit information regarding a current operation frequency of the compressor 410 or information regarding whether or not the compressor 410 is being operated to the indoor unit 200.

For example, when three indoor units 200 are connected to the outdoor unit 400 and the level of an electricity regulation signal is the first level, the outdoor unit processor 424 may transmit a power-off signal to all of the indoor units 200. When the level of an electricity regulation signal is the second level, the outdoor unit processor 424 may transmit a power-off signal to the other indoor units 200 except for the indoor unit 200 corresponding to the first priority. When the level of an electricity regulation signal is the third level, the outdoor unit processor 424 may transmit a power-off signal to the other indoor unit 200 except for the indoor units 200 corresponding respectively to the first priority and the second priority. This control operation may vary based on the number of indoor units 200, and thus, is not commonly applied to all of the embodiments.

The outdoor unit memory 422 may include a high-speed random access memory. The outdoor unit memory 422 may include more than one non-volatile memory, such as a magnetic disc storage device, a flash memory device, or other non-volatile virtual memory devices; however, embodiments are not limited thereto. Alternatively, the outdoor unit memory 422 may include a readable storage medium.

For example, the outdoor unit memory 422 may include an Electronically Erasable and Programmable Read Only Memory (EEPROM); however, embodiments are not limited thereto. The EEPROM may allow recording and elimination of information by the outdoor unit processor 424 during operation of the outdoor unit processor 424. The EEPROM may be a memory device in which stored information remains even when power of the outdoor unit 400 is switched off to stop supply of electricity.

The outdoor unit memory 422 may be linked to the outdoor unit processor 424 to store various programs, or data, for example. The outdoor unit memory 422 may store programs that check the level of an electricity regulation signal and required electricity consumption when the outdoor unit 400 receives a level signal, control an operating state to conform to the required electricity consumption, and output control information for the required electricity consumption to a communication device. The programs may be used to control operation of the outdoor unit 400 or the indoor units 200. The programs may check required electricity consumption designated by an electricity regulation signal. The programs may adjust an operation frequency of the compressor 410 of the outdoor unit 400, or may control operation of the indoor units 200 based on the required electricity consumption, thereby adjusting electricity consumption of the air conditioner.

All of the programs may be stored in the indoor unit memory 222 or the outdoor unit memory 422; however, embodiments are not limited thereto. An embodiment in which the programs are stored in the indoor unit memory 222 will be described hereinbelow in detail with reference to FIG. 6.

The electricity reception device 420 may receive power from an external power source. The electricity reception device 420 may extract an electricity regulation signal from the power. The electricity reception device 420 may be a receiver for power line communication. The power line communication may mean communication using a signal having a different frequency from that of power to be applied to the electronic appliance.

The electricity reception device 420 may extract an electricity reception signal from power transmitted thereto, and transmit the electricity reception signal to the outdoor unit processor 424. The electricity reception device 420 may transmit the power remaining after extraction of the electricity reception signal to the power source unit 428. The power source unit 428 may convert the power received from the electricity reception device 420 into direct current to supply the same to the outdoor unit processor 424; however, embodiments are not limited thereto.

The outdoor unit communication unit 426 may communicate with the indoor units 200, or a portable terminal, upon receiving an instruction from the outdoor unit processor 424. The outdoor unit communication unit 426 may be connected to the outdoor unit processor 424. The outdoor unit communication unit 426 may receive a signal transmitted from the outdoor unit processor 424. The outdoor unit communication unit 426 may transmit a signal generated by the outdoor unit processor 424 to the indoor units 200 or the portable terminal; however, embodiments are not limited thereto. The outdoor unit communication unit 426 may transmit information regarding the electricity regulation signal and an operating manner of the compressor 410 to the indoor units 200.

The outdoor unit communication unit 426 may implement wired/wireless communication. When the outdoor unit communication unit 426 implements wireless communication, the outdoor unit communication unit 426 may include a Radio Frequency (RF) circuit. The outdoor unit communication unit 426 may transmit and receive an RF signal as an electromagnetic signal. The RF circuit may implement inter-conversion between an electrical signal and an electromagnetic signal, and may communicate with a communication network and other communication devices via the electromagnetic signal.

For example, the RF circuit may include an antenna system, an RF transmitter/receiver, one or more amplifiers, a tuner, one or more oscillators, a digital signal processor, a CODEC chipset, and a memory, for example; however, embodiments are not limited thereto. In addition, the RF circuit may include a known circuit to implement the aforementioned functions.

The outdoor unit 400 in accordance with one embodiment may include the compressor 410 that compresses refrigerant, a compressor motor that drives the compressor 410, an outdoor heat exchanger, such as outdoor heat exchanger 435 of FIG. 2, that radiates heat from the compressed refrigerant, an outdoor blowing unit or blower including an outdoor fan, such as outdoor fan 430 of FIG. 2, disposed at one side of the outdoor heat exchanger to facilitate radiation of the refrigerant and a motor to rotate the outdoor fan, an expansion device, such as expansion device 440 of FIG. 2, that expands condensed refrigerant, a cooling/heating switching valve that changes a flow path of the compressed refrigerant, and an accumulator that temporarily stores gas-phase refrigerant and supplies constant-pressure refrigerant to the compressor after removal of moisture and impurities from the refrigerant. The outdoor unit 400 may further include a plurality of sensors, valves, and an overcooling device, for example; however, embodiments are not limited thereto.

Referring to FIG. 5 illustrating indoor unit 200 in block diagram, the indoor unit 200 may include indoor unit processor 224 that implements a variety of signal processing and calculations, indoor unit memory 222 linked to the indoor unit processor 224 that stores programs, or data, for example, a display 245 that receives a control signal from the indoor unit processor 224 and displays information, and indoor unit communication unit 226 that may communicate with the outdoor unit 400, for example.

Although FIG. 5 illustrates a configuration in which the electricity reception device 420 is included in the outdoor unit 400 such that the outdoor unit processor 424 directly receives a level signal from the electricity reception device 420; however, embodiments are not limited thereto. In another embodiment, the indoor unit 200 may include an electricity reception device, or may directly receive an electricity regulation signal or a level signal from the electricity reception device.

The indoor unit processor 224 may implement a variety of functions for the indoor unit 200, and may execute or implement sets of instructions and/or various software programs stored in the indoor unit memory 222 for data processing. The indoor unit processor 224 may process a signal based on information stored in the indoor unit memory 224. The indoor unit memory 222 may be linked to the indoor unit processor 224 and store a variety of programs, or data, for example.

According to embodiments, the indoor unit processor 224 may receive a level signal from the outdoor unit 400 or the electricity reception device 420. For example, the indoor unit processor 224 may receive a level signal through the indoor unit communication unit 226; however, embodiments are not limited thereto.

The indoor unit processor 224 may implement various control operations based on a received level signal, electricity reception signal, or control information. The indoor unit processor 224 may control a set temperature or a set flow rate based on the level of an electricity regulation signal. For example, the indoor unit processor 224 may set a temperature closer to an outdoor temperature or may lower a set flow rate as the level of an electricity regulation signal increases.

The indoor unit processor 224 may transmit an electricity regulation signal to the portable terminal via the indoor unit communication unit 226. In another embodiment, the indoor unit processor 224 may transmit an electricity regulation signal to a server via the indoor unit communication unit 226 and allow the portable terminal 50 to receive the electricity regulation signal from the server; however, the role of the indoor unit processor 224 is not limited to an intermediary. The indoor unit processor 224 may transmit information regarding a current operating state of the air conditioner 30 to the portable terminal 50 via the indoor unit communication unit 226.

The indoor unit processor 224 may control operation of the indoor unit 200 based on control information. The control information may include, for example, information regarding a control instruction of the outdoor unit or the master indoor unit, the level of an electricity regulation signal, required electricity consumption, or an operating state of the compressor of the outdoor unit.

The indoor unit processor 224 may adjust a set flow rate or a set temperature, or may change operation of the respective indoor units upon receiving the control information.

The indoor unit processor 224 may control a set temperature or a set flow rate based on information regarding an operating state of the compressor 410 of the outdoor unit 400. For example, the indoor unit processor 224 may maintain a set temperature or a set flow rate when an operation frequency of the compressor 410 becomes lower than an operation frequency before the outdoor unit 400 receives an electricity regulation signal; however, embodiments are not limited thereto.

For example, when reduction of electricity consumption acquired via reduction in an operation frequency of the compressor 410 of the outdoor unit 400 sufficiently satisfies a requirement of an electricity regulation signal, the indoor unit processor 224 may maintain a set temperature or a set flow rate of the indoor unit 200. On the other hand, for example, when reduction of electricity consumption acquired via reduction in an operation frequency of the compressor 410 of the outdoor unit 200 does not satisfy a requirement of an electricity regulation signal, the indoor unit processor 224 may control a set temperature of the indoor unit 200 so as to be close to an outdoor temperature, or may reduce a set flow rate of the indoor unit 200.

When the indoor unit processor 224 receives an electricity regulation signal, the indoor unit processor 224 may implement an operation to adjust electricity consumption for a predetermined period of time. For example, when the indoor unit processor 224 receives an electricity regulation signal, the indoor unit processor 224 may implement an operation to adjust electricity consumption for a predetermined period of time of approximately 30 minutes. The indoor unit processor 224 may return to normal operation after implementing the operation to adjust electricity consumption for the predetermined time.

Assuming that the indoor unit 200 is a master indoor unit having one or more indoor slave units, the indoor unit processor 224 may implement control of the indoor slave units. For example, the indoor unit processor 224 may adjust a set temperature or a set flow rate of the indoor slave units, or may determine whether or not each indoor slave unit will be operated. The indoor unit processor 224 may prioritize the indoor slave units, and control operation of the indoor slave units based on the priorities.

The indoor unit memory 222 may include a high-speed random access memory. The indoor unit memory 222 may include more than one non-volatile memory, such as a magnetic disc storage device, a flash memory device, or other non-volatile virtual memory devices; however, embodiments are not limited thereto. Alternatively, the indoor unit memory 222 may include a readable storage medium.

The indoor unit memory 222 may store programs. The programs may check required electricity consumption by analyzing an electricity regulation signal or a level signal. The programs may check required electricity consumption by checking the level of an electricity regulation signal. The required electricity consumption may vary per regulation of each country. For example, electricity consumption may be zero when the level of an electricity regulation signal is the first level, may be reduced to approximately 75% when the level of an electricity regulation signal is the second level, and may be reduced to approximately 50% when the level of an electricity regulation signal is the third level; however, embodiments are not limited thereto

The programs may set a flow rate, that is, a set amount of air to be discharged from the indoor unit 200 or a set target air conditioning temperature of indoor air acquired by the indoor unit 200 based on control information or an electricity regulation signal. The indoor unit memory 222 may store information regarding a regulation criterion of a set flow rate or a set temperature based on the level of an electricity regulation signal. For example, the indoor unit memory 222 may store information regarding multiple stages of a set flow rate or a set temperature, defined to correspond to multiple levels of an electricity regulation signal.

The indoor unit 200 may include an output device to display information, or an input device to receive information; however, embodiments are not limited thereto. The output device may include a speaker to output sound, or display 245 to visually display information via emission of light. The input device may include physical buttons, dials, slider switches, clock wheels, and other devices that may receive an external input. The display 245 may include at least one of a light emitting polymer display, a liquid crystal display, a thin film transistor liquid crystal display, an organic light emitting diode display, a flexible display, and a 3D display, but it will be appreciated that various other displays may be used.

The display 245 may display operating information of the indoor unit 200. For example, the display 245 may display an operating mode, such as a cooling mode, a heating mode, a dehumidification mode, or an air purification mode, and may display an indoor temperature, a flow direction, the presence of an indoor heat source, but items to be displayed are not limited thereto, and broad information required for control may be displayed.

According to embodiments, the display 245 may include a touchscreen that displays visual output to the user and receives tactile input from the user; however, embodiments are not limited thereto. The display 245 may display an electricity regulation signal and set items that are variable based on the electricity regulation signal. The display 245 may display a set flow rate or a set temperature to be varied by an electricity regulation signal. The display 245 may display that the indoor unit 200 or the outdoor unit 400 is being controlled in response to an electricity regulation signal.

The indoor unit communication unit 226 may be connected to the indoor unit processor 224. The indoor unit communication unit 226 may receive a signal transmitted from the indoor unit processor 224. The indoor unit communication unit 226 may transmit a signal generated by the indoor unit processor 224 to the outdoor unit 400, the remote controller, or the portable terminal; however, embodiments are not limited thereto.

The indoor unit communication unit 226 may receive control information. The control information may include required electricity consumption or information regarding an operating state of a compressor of the outdoor unit 200.

The indoor unit communication unit 226 may transmit an electricity regulation signal to the portable terminal. The indoor unit communication unit 226 may transmit control information changed in response to an electricity regulation signal to the portable terminal. The indoor unit communication unit 226 may receive an electricity regulation signal and a signal indicating an operating state of the compressor from the outdoor unit 400. The indoor unit communication unit 226 may receive a power on/off signal from the outdoor unit 400.

The indoor unit communication unit 226 may be connected to the outdoor unit communication unit 426 in a wired or wireless manner. The indoor unit communication unit 226 may transmit and receive various signals to and from the outdoor unit communication unit 426. The indoor unit communication unit 226 may receive an electricity regulation signal, or a level signal, for example, from the outdoor unit communication unit 426.

FIGS. 6 and 7A-7C are schematic diagrams illustrating a method of controlling an indoor unit by an outdoor unit of an air conditioner in accordance with an embodiment. Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, the outdoor unit 400 may prioritize the plurality of indoor units 200, respectively.

The outdoor unit 400 may individually control operation of the plurality of indoor units 200. The outdoor unit 400 may prioritize the plurality of indoor units 200, and determine whether or not each indoor unit 200 will be operated based on the priorities.

Assuming that the outdoor unit 400 defines the first priority, the second priority, and the third priority, a plurality of indoor units 200 may correspond to each of the first priority, the second priority, and the third priority. That is, with a plurality of indoor units 200, two or more indoor units may correspond to the first priority, two or more indoor units may correspond to the second priority, and two or more indoor units may correspond to the third priority.

Referring to FIG. 7A, when three indoor units 200 are connected to the outdoor unit 400 and the level of an electricity regulation signal is the first level, the processor 424 may transmit a power-off signal to all of the indoor units 200. Referring to FIG. 7B, when the level of an electricity regulation signal is the second level, the processor 424 may transmit a power-off signal to the other indoor units 200 except for the indoor unit 400 corresponding to the first priority.

Referring to FIG. 7C, when the level of an electricity regulation signal is the third level, the processor 424 may transmit a power-off signal to the other indoor unit 200 except for the indoor units 200 corresponding to the first priority and the second priority. This control operation may vary based on the number of the master indoor unit and the indoor slave units, and thus is not commonly applied to all of the embodiments.

FIGS. 8 and 9A-9C are schematic diagrams illustrating an indoor unit of an air conditioner and a display operation of the indoor unit in accordance with an embodiment. Referring to FIG. 8, the indoor unit 200 may receive an electricity regulation signal from the outdoor unit 400 or an electricity reception device (not shown).

The indoor unit 200 may adjust a set flow rate, that is, a set amount of air to be discharged from the indoor unit, or a set temperature, that is, a set target air conditioning temperature of indoor air acquired by the indoor unit based on the level of an electricity regulation signal. The indoor unit 200 may store information regarding a regulation criterion of a set flow rate or a set temperature based on the level of an electricity regulation signal.

The indoor unit 200 may adjust a set flow rate or a set temperature based on information regarding multiple stages of a set flow rate or a set temperature, defined to correspond to multiple levels of an electricity regulation signal. For example, an electricity regulation signal may have any one of the first level, the second level, or the third level, and the indoor unit 200 may raise or lower a set flow rate or a set temperature based on the level of the electricity regulation signal.

The indoor unit 200 may display various pieces of information on the display 245. The indoor unit 200 may display a set temperature and a set flow rate, denoted by B, and a level of an electricity regulation signal, denoted by A, on the display 245.

The indoor unit 200 may store information regarding a regulation criterion of a set flow rate or a set temperature based on the level of an electricity regulation signal. For example, the indoor unit 200 may store a table that shows a set flow rate or a set temperature based on the level of an electricity regulation signal, but a storage method is not limited thereto.

For example, referring to FIG. 7C, when the indoor unit 200 implements a cooling operation and the level of an electricity regulation signal is the third level (DRM 3), a set flow rate may be limited to a medium flow rate or less, and a set temperature may be limited to approximately 22° C. or more. Referring to FIG. 7B, when the indoor unit 200 implements a cooling operation and the level of an electricity regulation signal is the second level (DRM 2), a set flow rate may be limited to a low flow rate, and a set temperature may be limited to approximately 24° C. or more. In addition, referring to FIG. 7A, when the indoor unit 200 implements a cooling operation and the level of an electricity regulation signal is the first level (DRM 1), operation may stop.

As described above, the display 245 of the indoor unit 200 may display the level of an electricity regulation signal, a set temperature, and a set flow rate to allow the user to simultaneously or separately check these items.

The aforementioned control values of the indoor unit 200 per the level of an electricity regulation signal are merely one embodiment for explanation, and may vary according to embodiments.

Although FIGS. 8 and 9 show the level of an electricity regulation signal denoted by “DRM”, this is merely one embodiment, and display methods or devices are not limited to the description and illustration.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a method of controlling an air conditioner in accordance with an embodiment. Referring to FIG. 10, a method of controlling an air conditioner in accordance with an embodiment may include receiving an electricity regulation signal that provides information regarding usage of electricity (S510), outputting a level signal indicating the level of the electricity regulation signal (S520), and implementing an operation, by an outdoor unit or an indoor unit, to adjust electricity consumption thereof and electricity consumption of the indoor unit or the outdoor unit connected thereto based on the level of the electricity regulation signal (S530).

Upon reception of the electricity regulation signal (S510), the air conditioner may receive the electricity regulation signal from an electricity reception device. For example, the outdoor unit or the indoor unit of the air conditioner may receive the electricity regulation signal from the electricity reception device. The electricity reception device may be installed to the outdoor unit or the indoor unit, or may be a separate component.

Power supplied by an electric power company may include an electricity regulation signal having a different frequency from that of the power. The electricity reception device may extract the electricity regulation signal from the power.

Upon output of the level signal indicating the level of the electricity regulation signal (S520), the electricity reception device may transmit the level signal indicating the level of the electricity regulation signal to the outdoor unit or the indoor unit.

A processor of the outdoor unit or the indoor unit may check required electricity consumption by checking the level of the electricity regulation signal. The required electricity consumption may indicate a requirement for reduction of electricity consumption in percent, or a requirement for reduction of electricity consumption to a given value or less, without being limited thereto.

Based on the level of the electricity regulation signal, an outdoor unit or an indoor unit of the air conditioner may implement an operation to adjust electricity consumption thereof, and electricity consumption of the indoor unit or the outdoor unit connected thereto. For example, when an object that receives an electricity regulation signal is an outdoor unit of the air conditioner and the outdoor unit has an inverter type compressor, the outdoor unit may adjust an operation frequency of the compressor in response to the electricity regulation signal. Upon implementation of the operation (S530), when the outdoor unit includes a constant-speed type compressor that continuously compresses refrigerant at a constant speed, whether to power the compressor on or off may be determined in response to the electricity regulation signal.

The electricity regulation signal may have any one of multiple levels. Upon implementation of the operation (S530), an operation frequency of the compressor may be adjusted based on required electricity consumption. For example, when the outdoor unit includes an inverter type compressor, the processor of the outdoor unit may adjust an operation frequency of the compressor based on the required electricity consumption, thereby adjusting electricity consumption of the air conditioner.

The electricity regulation signal may have any one of multiple levels. Upon implementation of the operation (S530), when an object that receives an electricity regulation signal is the outdoor unit, an operation frequency of the compressor may be adjusted based on the level of the electricity regulation signal. For example, when the electricity regulation signal has the first level, the processor of the outdoor unit may power the compressor off. When the electricity regulation signal has the second level, the processor of the outdoor unit may reduce an operation frequency of the compressor to approximately 50%. When the electricity regulation signal has the third level, the processor of the outdoor unit may reduce an operation frequency of the compressor to approximately 75%.

Upon implementation of the operation (S530), the outdoor unit or the indoor unit may return to normal operation after implementing the operation to adjust electricity consumption for the predetermined time.

The outdoor unit may prioritize a plurality of indoor units. Upon implementation of the operation (S530), the outdoor unit may determine whether or not each of the indoor units will be operated based on the priorities. Control information may include information regarding the priorities in terms of operation of the indoor units determined by the outdoor unit.

The electricity regulation signal may have any one of multiple levels. The outdoor unit may differently control operation of the respective indoor units. The number of indoor units to be operated among the plurality of indoor units may be determined based on the level of the electricity regulation signal.

When three indoor units are connected to the outdoor unit and the level of an electricity regulation signal is the first level, the processor of the outdoor unit may transmit a signal to power all of the indoor units off.

When the level of an electricity regulation signal is the second level, the processor of the outdoor unit may transmit a power-off signal to the other indoor units except for the indoor unit corresponding to the first priority. When the level of an electricity regulation signal is the third level, the processor of the outdoor unit may transmit a power-off signal to the other indoor unit except for the indoor units corresponding to the first priority and the second priority. This control operation may vary based on the number of indoor units, and is not commonly applied to all embodiments.

Upon implementation of the operation S530, operation of the indoor units may be controlled based on control information. For example, the outdoor unit or a master indoor unit may output control information to control the indoor units connected thereto.

When a subject that outputs control information is the outdoor unit, the outdoor unit may provide the indoor units with information regarding a current operating state of the compressor, and the indoor units may check an amount of electricity that must be additionally reduced at present.

Each of the indoor unit may adjust a set flow rate, that is, a set amount of air to be discharged from the indoor unit, or a set temperature, that is, a set target air conditioning temperature of indoor air acquired by the indoor unit based on control information.

The indoor unit may control a set flow rate or a set temperature based on information regarding multiple stages of a set flow rate or a set temperature corresponding to multiple levels of an electricity regulation signal.

For example, when the indoor unit implements a cooling operation and the level of an electricity regulation signal is the third level, a set flow rate may be limited to a medium flow rate or less, and a set temperature may be limited to approximately 22° C. or more. When the indoor unit implements a cooling operation and the level of an electricity regulation signal is the second level, a set flow rate may be limited to a low flow rate, and a set temperature may be limited to approximately 24° C. or more. In addition, when the indoor unit implements a cooling operation and the level of an electricity regulation signal is the first level, operation may stop.

Whether or not each indoor unit will be operated may be determined based on control information. Each of a plurality of indoor units may be differently operated in response to an electricity regulation signal. Thus, each of the plurality of indoor units may be operated or may not be operated based on information regarding whether or not each indoor unit will be operated, this information being determined by the outdoor unit. In addition, an operation degree of each indoor unit may be determined based on control information.

For example, assuming that the outdoor unit includes a constant-speed type compressor, the air conditioner may adjust electricity consumption by adjusting a set temperature or a set flow rate of each indoor unit. The outdoor unit or the indoor unit, which receives an electricity regulation signal, may have different operating directions based on total electricity consumption of a plurality of outdoor units and a plurality of indoor units connected to one another.

Upon implementation of the operation (S530), the outdoor unit or the indoor unit, which receives a level signal or an electricity regulation signal, may adjust electricity consumption thereof by controlling rotation of a fan.

Upon implementation of the operation (S530), a plurality of indoor units may include a master indoor unit and a plurality of indoor slave units connected to the master indoor unit. When the master indoor unit receives a level signal or an electricity regulation signal, the master indoor unit may control operation of the plurality of indoor slave units based on the level of an electricity regulation signal.

Although not shown, the control method of the air conditioner in accordance with an embodiment may further include transmitting the electricity regulation signal to a portable terminal that can read out information. The indoor units may transmit the electricity regulation signal to the portable terminal that can read out information. As the indoor units transmit the electricity regulation signal to the portable terminal, the user may easily check an operating state of the air conditioner.

As is apparent from the above description, according to embodiments, an air conditioner may adjust electricity consumption in response to an electricity regulation signal received from an electric power company, which may eliminate a need for additional user control. According to embodiments, the air conditioner may easily adjust electricity consumption by adjusting an operation frequency of a compressor in response to an electricity regulation signal. In the air conditioner according to embodiments, a set temperature or a set flow rate of each indoor unit may be adjusted in response to an electricity regulation signal, which allows both an outdoor unit and an indoor unit to implement efficient adjustment of electricity consumption in response to an electricity regulation signal. The air conditioner according to embodiments may include an electricity reception device to output a level signal indicating a level of an electricity regulation signal, and the electricity reception device may be easily applied to various outdoor units or indoor units.

In the air conditioner according to embodiments, regardless of whether the electricity reception device to output a level signal is applied to the outdoor unit or the indoor unit, it is possible to assist the outdoor unit or the indoor unit in optimally implementing an operation to adjust electricity consumption.

Although all elements constituting the embodiments are described to be integrated into a single one or to be operated as a single one, embodiments are not necessarily limited to such embodiments. According to embodiments, all of the elements may be selectively integrated into one or more and be operated as one or more within the object and the scope.

Each of the elements may be implemented as independent hardware. Alternatively, some or all of the elements may be selectively combined into a computer program having a program module performing some or all functions combined in one or more pieces of hardware.

A plurality of codes and code segments constituting the computer program may be easily reasoned by those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains. The computer program may be stored in a computer readable media such that the computer program is read and executed by a computer to implement embodiments of the present invention. Computer program storage media may include magnetic recording media, optical recording media, and carrier wave media.

The term “comprises”, “includes”, or “has” described herein should be interpreted not to exclude other elements but to further include such other elements since the corresponding elements may be inherent unless mentioned otherwise.

All terms including technical or scientific terms have the same meanings as generally understood by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains unless mentioned otherwise.

Generally used terms, such as terms defined in a dictionary, should be interpreted to coincide with meanings of the related art from the context. Unless obviously defined, such terms are not interpreted as ideal or excessively formal meanings.

Embodiments disclosed herein provide an air conditioner which may control electricity consumption in response to an electricity regulation signal.

Embodiments disclosed herein provide an air conditioner that may include an outdoor unit or device configured to implement heat exchange of refrigerant, at least one indoor unit or device configured to implement exchange of refrigerant with the outdoor unit and to implement air conditioning of indoor air, and an electricity reception device configured to receive an electricity regulation signal indicating a level with regard to electricity usage and to transmit a level signal indicating the level of the electricity regulation signal to the outdoor unit or the indoor unit. The outdoor unit or the indoor unit, which has received the level signal, may control operation of the at least one indoor unit connected thereto based on the level of the electricity regulation signal.

Embodiments disclosed herein further provide a control method of an air conditioner, including receiving an electricity regulation signal indicating a level with regard to electricity usage, outputting a level signal indicating the level of the electricity regulation signal, and implementing an operation, by an indoor unit or device or an outdoor unit or device, to adjust electricity consumption thereof and electricity consumption of the outdoor unit or the indoor unit connected thereto based on the level of the electricity regulation signal.

Although embodiments have been disclosed for illustrative purposes, those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications, additions, and substitutions are possible without departing from the scope and spirit as disclosed in the accompanying claims.

The embodiments disclosed herein are provided not to limit the technical concept but to illustrate the technical concept. Therefore, the scope of the technical concept is not limited by such embodiments. The scope of the protection should be determined by reasonable interpretation of the appended claims and all technical concepts coming within the equivalency range are should be interpreted to be embraced in the scope of the right.

Any reference in this specification to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “example embodiment,” etc., means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the invention. The appearances of such phrases in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Further, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with any embodiment, it is submitted that it is within the purview of one skilled in the art to effect such feature, structure, or characteristic in connection with other ones of the embodiments.

Although embodiments have been described with reference to a number of illustrative embodiments thereof, it should be understood that numerous other modifications and embodiments can be devised by those skilled in the art that will fall within the spirit and scope of the principles of this disclosure. More particularly, various variations and modifications are possible in the component parts and/or arrangements of the subject combination arrangement within the scope of the disclosure, the drawings and the appended claims. In addition to variations and modifications in the component parts and/or arrangements, alternative uses will also be apparent to those skilled in the art. 

What is claimed is:
 1. An air conditioner, comprising: an outdoor device configured to implement heat exchange with a refrigerant; at least one indoor device configured to implement exchange of refrigerant with the outdoor device to air condition indoor air; and an electricity reception device configured to receive an electricity regulation signal indicating a level with regard to electricity usage and to transmit a level signal indicating the level indicated by the electricity regulation signal to the outdoor device or the at least one indoor device, wherein the outdoor device or the indoor device checks required electricity consumption from the level signal upon receiving the level signal, and controls an operating state thereof to conform to the required electricity consumption.
 2. The air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein the electricity reception device includes a switching circuit configured to output different signals based on the level indicated by the electricity regulation signal.
 3. The air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein the outdoor device includes a compressor having an inverter configured to adjust an operation frequency thereof, and wherein the outdoor device controls the operation frequency of the compressor based on the level indicated by the electricity regulation signal.
 4. The air conditioner according to claim 3, wherein the level indicated by the electricity regulation signal is one of a first level, a second level, or a third level, wherein the outdoor device stops operation of the compressor when the level indicated by the electricity regulation signal is the first level, wherein the outdoor device changes the operation frequency of the compressor to approximately 50% when the level indicated by the electricity regulation signal is the second level, and wherein the outdoor device changes the operation frequency of the compressor to approximately 75% when the level indicated by the electricity regulation signal is the third level.
 5. The air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein the outdoor device or the at least one indoor device implements an operation to control an operating degree of a blowing fan of the outdoor device or the at least one indoor device, respectively, based on the level indicated by the electricity regulation signal upon receiving the level signal.
 6. The air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein the at least one indoor device comprises a plurality of indoor devices connected to the outdoor device, and wherein, when the outdoor device receives the level signal, the outdoor device differently controls an operating state of each of the plurality of indoor devices based on the level indicated by the electricity regulation signal.
 7. The air conditioner according to claim 6, wherein the outdoor device determines whether or not each of the plurality of indoor devices will be operated based on priorities of the plurality of indoor devices.
 8. The air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein, when the at least one indoor device receives the level signal, the at least one indoor device adjusts a set flow rate or a set temperature based on the level indicated by the electricity regulation signal, the set flow rate being a set amount of air to be discharged from the at least one indoor device, and the set temperature being a set target air conditioning temperature of indoor air.
 9. The air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein the at least one indoor device includes a plurality of indoor devices, wherein the plurality of indoor devices includes a master indoor device and a plurality of indoor slave devices connected to the master indoor device, and wherein the master indoor device differently controls operation of the respective indoor slave devices based on the level indicated by the electricity regulation signal upon receiving the level signal.
 10. The air conditioner according to claim 9, wherein the outdoor device or the respective indoor units implements an operation to adjust electricity consumption for a predetermined period of time, and then returns to normal operation.
 11. A method of controlling an air conditioner, comprising: receiving an electricity regulation signal indicating a level with regard to electricity usage; outputting a level signal indicating the level of the electricity regulation signal; and implementing an operation, by an outdoor device or at least one indoor device connected to the outdoor device, to adjust electricity consumption of the air conditioner by adjusting electricity consumption of the outdoor device or the at least one indoor device connected to the outdoor device based on the level indicated by the electricity regulation signal.
 12. The method according to claim 11, wherein, upon implementation of the operation, the outdoor device or the at least one indoor device, which has received the level signal, implements an operation to control an operating degree of a blowing fan.
 13. The method according to claim 11, wherein implementation of the operation includes controlling operation of a compressor, configured to compress refrigerant, based on the level indicated by the electricity regulation signal, wherein the compressor includes an inverter configured to adjust an operation frequency, and wherein implementation of the operation includes controlling the operation frequency of the compressor based on the level indicated by the electricity regulation signal.
 14. The method according to claim 11, wherein implementation of the operation includes checking required electricity consumption from the level signal.
 15. The method according to claim 11, wherein, upon implementation of the operation, the at least one indoor device, which has received the level signal, adjusts a set flow rate or a set temperature based on the level indicated by the electricity regulation signal, the set flow rate being a set amount of air to be discharged from the indoor device, and the set temperature being a set target air conditioning temperature of indoor air.
 16. The method according to claim 11, wherein the outdoor device, which has received the level signal, is connected to a plurality of indoor devices, and wherein, upon implementation of the operation, the outdoor device differently controls an operating state of each of the plurality of indoor devices based on required electricity consumption checked from the level signal.
 17. The method according to claim 11, wherein the outdoor device, which has received the level signal, is connected to a plurality of indoor devices, and wherein, upon implementation of the operation, the outdoor device prioritizes the plurality of indoor devices and determines whether or not each of the plurality of indoor devices will be operated based on the priorities.
 18. The method according to claim 11, wherein, upon implementation of the operation, the at least one indoor device adjusts a set flow rate or a set temperature based on the level indicated by the electricity regulation signal, the set flow rate being a set amount of air to be discharged from the indoor device, and the set temperature being a set target air conditioning temperature of indoor air.
 19. The method according to claim 11, wherein the at least one indoor device comprises a master indoor device and a plurality of indoor slave devices connected to the master indoor device, and wherein, upon implementation of the operation, the master indoor device differently controls operation of the respective indoor slave devices based on the level indicated by the electricity regulation signal upon receiving the level signal.
 20. The method according to claim 11, wherein, upon implementation of the operation, the outdoor device or the at least one indoor device implements an operation to adjust electricity consumption for a predetermined period of time, and then returns to normal operation.
 21. An air conditioner, comprising: an outdoor device including a compressor, a heat exchanger, an expansion device, and a fan; at least one indoor device in communication with the outdoor device to perform air conditioning of indoor air, the at least one indoor device including a heat exchanger and a fan; and an electricity reception device including a switching circuit configured to output different signals based on the level indicated by the electricity regulation signal configured to receive an electricity regulation signal indicating a level with regard to electricity usage and to transmit a level signal indicating the level indicated by the electricity regulation signal to the outdoor device or the at least one indoor device, wherein the outdoor device or the indoor device checks required electricity consumption from the level signal upon receiving the level signal, and controls an operating state thereof to conform to the required electricity consumption.
 22. The air conditioner according to claim 21, wherein the compressor of the outdoor device includes an inverter configured to adjust an operation frequency thereof, and wherein the outdoor device controls the operation frequency of the compressor based on the level indicated by the electricity regulation signal.
 23. The air conditioner according to claim 22, wherein the level indicated by the electricity regulation signal is one of a first level, a second level, or a third level, wherein the outdoor device stops operation of the compressor when the level indicated by the electricity regulation signal is the first level, wherein the outdoor device changes the operation frequency of the compressor to approximately 50% when the level indicated by the electricity regulation signal is the second level, and wherein the outdoor device changes the operation frequency of the compressor to approximately 75% when the level indicated by the electricity regulation signal is the third level.
 24. The air conditioner according to claim 21, wherein the outdoor device or the at least one indoor device implements an operation to control an operating degree of the fan of the outdoor device or the fan of the at least one indoor device, respectively, based on the level indicated by the electricity regulation signal upon receiving the level signal.
 25. The air conditioner according to claim 21, wherein the at least one indoor device comprises a plurality of indoor devices connected to the outdoor device, and wherein, when the outdoor device receives the level signal, the outdoor device differently controls an operating state of each of the plurality of indoor devices based on the level indicated by the electricity regulation signal.
 26. The air conditioner according to claim 25, wherein the outdoor device determines whether or not each of the plurality of indoor devices will be operated based on priorities of the plurality of indoor devices.
 27. The air conditioner according to claim 21, wherein, when the at least one indoor device receives the level signal, the at least one indoor device adjusts a set flow rate or a set temperature based on the level indicated by the electricity regulation signal, the set flow rate being a set amount of air to be discharged from the at least one indoor device, and the set temperature being a set target air conditioning temperature of indoor air.
 28. The air conditioner according to claim 21, wherein the at least one indoor device includes a plurality of indoor devices, wherein the plurality of indoor devices includes a master indoor device and a plurality of indoor slave devices connected to the master indoor device, and wherein the master indoor device differently controls operation of the respective indoor slave devices based on the level indicated by the electricity regulation signal upon receiving the level signal.
 29. The air conditioner according to claim 21, wherein the outdoor device or the at least one indoor unit implements an operation to adjust electricity consumption for a predetermined period of time, and then returns to normal operation.
 30. The air conditioner according to claim 21, wherein the compressor of the outdoor unit is turned on or off based on the level indicated by the electricity regulation signal.
 31. The air conditioner according to claim 21, wherein the electricity reception device is in communication with at least one of the outdoor device or the at least one indoor device.
 32. The air conditioner according to claim 21, wherein at least one of the outdoor device or the at least one indoor device includes a memory, a processor, and a communication device.
 33. The air conditioner according to claim 21, wherein the at least one indoor device includes a display. 